Utah Moose Elk

Unit Wallsburg (Wallsburg)

Utah Hunting Guide — Moose, Elk

Wallsburg is a Utah once-in-a-lifetime moose unit in the central Wasatch, situated in the rugged canyon country east of Heber Valley. Moose here rely on willow-lined creek bottoms and aspen-fir benches on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. With only a handful of tags issued annually, Wallsburg is one of the most coveted moose draws in the state.

View Draw Odds Utah Hunting Guide

Moose Hunting in Unit Wallsburg

Where to Find Moose in Wallsburg

Moose in the Wallsburg unit concentrate in riparian corridors and aspen-fir transition zones. Success depends on locating these habitat pockets before the season opens.

Willow Creek Bottoms

Willows along Wallsburg Creek and its tributaries are prime summer and fall moose habitat. Bulls feed heavily here at dawn. Glass from hillside vantage points above the drainage.

Aspen-Fir Benches (7,000–8,500 ft)

Moose use aspen benches adjacent to water during mid-day thermal inversions. Bulls bed in aspen canopy during afternoon and become active again near dusk.

Mineral Lick Areas

Natural mineral deposits and wallowing sites concentrate bull moose during the September–October rut. Scouting these locations before the season is highly productive.

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How to Hunt Wallsburg Moose

Once-in-a-lifetime moose tags demand thorough pre-season scouting and a methodical in-season approach.

Pre-Season Scouting

Spend at least two days glassing the drainage system before the season. Locate a bull you intend to target and learn his daily movement pattern between bedding and feeding areas.

Rut Calling

Bull moose respond aggressively to cow calls and antler raking during the October rut peak. Set up in willow bottoms with wind in your face and call periodically to draw bulls out of heavy cover.

Timber Edge Setups

Ambush setups on known travel routes between willow bottoms and aspen benches can produce close-range shots without the uncertainty of calling. Use terrain to conceal your approach to the setup point.

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Moose Success Rates

Rifle70%

Utah once-in-a-lifetime moose units consistently post 80–95% success rates per UDWR harvest data, reflecting the exceptional time and preparation hunters invest in this tag. Wallsburg's small drainage makes locating bulls achievable once the unit is thoroughly glassed. Most successful hunters report finding their target bull before season opens.

Moose Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Limited Entry	1	36	2.8%	1

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Wallsburg is a once-in-a-lifetime moose designation — a hunter may draw this tag only once in their lifetime. The applicant pool is large relative to the handful of available tags, making this an extremely competitive draw. Hunters accumulate points each year they are unsuccessful, but even max-point holders may wait 15–25 years for this tag.

Elk Hunting in Unit Wallsburg

The Wallsburg unit occupies a compact but productive section of the central Wasatch Mountains in Wasatch County, just east of Heber Valley. Rugged south-facing slopes of oak brush and mountain mahogany give way to aspen and spruce-fir on north exposures — classic transition-zone elk habitat at 6,500 to 10,000 feet. Proximity to the Wasatch Front drives strong applicant pressure, but the limited-entry tag structure keeps hunting quality high with bulls regularly reaching the 330 to 360 inch class.

Where to Find Elk in Wallsburg

Elk in Wallsburg follow a tightly defined seasonal pattern driven by temperature and the rut.

North-Facing Aspen and Spruce-Fir (8,500 to 10,000 ft)

During early season and through the rut, bulls hold in dense aspen and spruce-fir on north-facing slopes for thermal cover, escape security, and proximity to high-mountain meadows.

Oak Brush Transition (6,500 to 8,000 ft)

The heavy oak brush on south-facing slopes is the primary rut staging area. Listen for bugling here during the first two weeks of September.

Heber Valley Foothills (Late Season)

Bulls pushed off higher terrain by snow move to the lower agricultural foothills bordering Heber Valley. Glass the public-land edges adjacent to private irrigated meadows for mid-day elk movement late in the season.

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How to Hunt Elk in Wallsburg

Wallsburg's combination of dense oak brush and accessible aspen terrain makes both calling and glassing highly effective.

Oak Brush Calling

Set up on the downhill edge of oak brush stands during the September rut. Use a locate bugle from a high point, then move quickly to set up between the responding bull and his cows. A cow call works better than aggressive challenges in the brushy terrain.

Aspen Glassing and Stalk

From ridgelines above aspen stands, glass open parks and meadows for bulls feeding in early morning. Approach carefully using tree trunks as visual cover, moving only when the bull's head is down.

Pre-Rut Water Sources (Archery)

Before the rut, bulls follow a predictable water schedule. Scout springs with trail cameras in July through August for the most productive archery ambush setups.

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle28%

Wallsburg rifle elk success typically runs 45 to 60 percent. The compact geography helps hunters locate bulls efficiently, and the strong herd quality means most success involves mature 5x5 or larger bulls. Archery hunters using aggressive calling during the rut see 25 to 35 percent success.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Limited Entry	1	13	7.7%	1

Data from 2024 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Wallsburg elk is one of the more competitive draws in central Utah due to its Wasatch Front proximity. Residents should plan 12 to 18 points for the general limited-entry bull tag. Non-residents receive 10 percent allocation.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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Camp Sites

Dispersed USFS camping within the unit. Developed campgrounds near Heber City provide an alternative base.

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Water

Abundant. Year-round creeks and springs throughout the drainage. Treat before drinking.

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Road Conditions

Improved gravel forest roads provide main access. Side roads require high-clearance 4WD, especially after October snowfall.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate to strenuous. Canyon walls and heavy riparian vegetation can make packing out a large moose extremely demanding.

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Hunting Pressure

Extremely low — only a few moose tags are issued annually. The unit is essentially private once the season opens.

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Weather

October moose season can bring rapid weather changes in the central Wasatch. Prepare for snow and below-freezing temperatures at elevation.

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Cell Service

Limited in the canyon bottom. Partial coverage on ridge tops. Satellite communicator recommended.

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Nearest Town

Heber City — approximately 15 minutes west. Full services including fuel, groceries, lodging, and outfitter support.

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Permit Notes

UDWR once-in-a-lifetime bull moose tag. Once drawn, a hunter is ineligible to draw another Utah moose tag. Confirm legal weapon type and season dates in the Application Guidebook.

Note: Plan for a multi-day pack-out if you harvest a bull moose in the canyon bottom. A pack horse or meat hauling system greatly reduces the physical burden. Coordinate with a local outfitter before the season if needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many moose tags are issued for Wallsburg each year?

UDWR allocates a very limited number of tags for Wallsburg annually — typically in the range of 1–4 total bull tags. Exact numbers vary by year and are published in the UDWR Application Guidebook. Check ProHunt's draw odds section for the most current three-year data.

Can I hire an outfitter for the Wallsburg moose hunt?

Yes, and it is a worthwhile investment for a once-in-a-lifetime tag. Local Wasatch outfitters familiar with the Wallsburg drainage can provide scouting, camp logistics, and pack-out support. Hiring a guide does not affect your legal right to hunt as the tag holder — you must make the final shot.

What is the best time to hunt moose in Wallsburg?

The peak rut typically runs from late September through mid-October in Utah's central Wasatch. Bulls are most active and responsive to calling during this window. Archery tags (if available) offer access to the early rut; rifle season typically opens in October. Confirm exact dates in the current UDWR Application Guidebook.

How close is Wallsburg to Salt Lake City?

About 50 miles and 50 minutes. Wallsburg is one of the closest quality limited-entry elk units to the Salt Lake metro area, though camping on the unit is strongly recommended to maximize pre-dawn hunting time.

Does general-season hunting pressure on adjacent units affect Wallsburg elk?

Positively. General-season pressure on neighboring units pushes bulls toward the low-pressure Wallsburg limited-entry area, and the herd often swells with displaced bulls during adjacent rifle seasons.

Are there private land access issues in Wallsburg?

Yes. Lower-elevation foothills bordering Heber Valley are primarily private. Always confirm land ownership via the UDWR Hunt Planner before approaching any boundary.

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